The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) recently
released its ninth annual report, Export of Military Goods from Canada.
This report lists dollar amounts and equipment types for Canadian military
exports to 61 countries during 1998.

According to this report, Canada's military exports increased by 38%, from
$304 million in 1997 to $421 million, in 1998. These figures, however, do
not included exports to the U.S. This is the most significant flaw in
these reports because the U.S. buys more military equipment from Canada
than the rest of the world combined!

One of DFAIT's guidelines states that "Canada closely controls the export
of military goods and technologies to countries that are involved in or
under imminent threat of hostilities." In light of the fact that the U.S.
led NATO's war against Yugoslavia and overtly bombed three other countries
in 1998, one might reasonably expect that there should be some restrictions
on Canada's military exports to the U.S. In fact, however, permits for
military exports to the U.S. are not even required by the Canadian
government. DFAIT's annual reports never include any data on military
exports to the U.S.

Another flaw in DFAIT's reports is that they do not include any "dual use"
equipment, such as helicopters, that can be used for civilian or military
purposes.

Despite Canada's reputation as a nation which values peacekeeping, we
continue to sell military hardware to governments which are notorious for
violating human rights. Among the governments purchasing Canadian military
hardware are some of the world's most corrupt and violent regimes. The
military and police forces in many of the countries armed by Canada are
well known to routinely engage in torture and extrajudicial executions.

Below this table, you will find the key to "Military Equipment Types" which
are cited here.